As there is a hot spotlight being shone on police brutality and the killing of black and brown people of color here in the United States there is also a remnant of us that are still living, still surviving, and still thriving. There is no rhyme or reason why we remain except for the grace of God upon our lives. As we've seen by countless videos and photographic evidence, racism still abounds and who is directly affected by it by means of force and violence is utterly random- a cruel gamble of the time and place dice. No matter whether you are a law abiding citizen or criminal, male or female, holy or unholy, mainstream or fringe, in your car or walking down the street, in or out of your home, awake or sleeping, resisting or complying, we have seen time and time again that violence; deadly violence can meet you right where you are.

 

But there is a remnant of us that still remain. We are still living big, bold, beautiful lives that are worthy to be elevated and seen. Too many times our black and brown bodies are fetishized and exploited. I have seen too many of my black brothers and sister beaten and killed on video. I have seen too many utter "I can't breathe". I have seen too many stills of close-to-death or just outright lifeless bodies in the middle of roads or grass or gravel. The thud of their bodies; the shriek of their voices haunting sounds that constantly ring in my ears. So I present to you a counterweight. Life-filled photos celebrating the beauty of blackness because BLACK LIVES MATTER. Black faces matter. Black skin matters. Black hands matter. Black smiles matter. Black relationships matter.

 

This collection of photos range from 2017 when I picked up my first "real" camera right up until the present. I will continue this exhibit, elevating black people until measurable change has happened via governmental legislation at the local and national level. This exhibit will remain until black lives matter just the same as the rest so it might be here for a while. I'm prepared. My camera is ready. 

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The black and white photography is not intended to evoke a faux nostalgia but instead is a symbol or mourning for those who have been taken from our communities and a simultaneous celebration for those of us who are still alive. Our skin also has still not been recognized as valuable and equal so none of us can live our fullest, most colorful lives until the racism that exists in this country is thwarted. My desire is, after there has been visible and actionable change, to reintroduce this exhibit in full color as a celebration of what we, in this generation, have overcome.

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If you would like to take part (i.e. sit for a portrait) in this ongoing exhibit and are a black or mixed POC, please email me at coheir1983@gmail.com.